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Integrating Metta Into CBT: How Loving Kindness and Compassion Meditation Can Enhance CBT for Treating Anxiety and Depression

Simona Stefan, Stefan G Hofmann

Clinical Psychology in Europe September 18, 2019 DOI: 10.32872/cpe.v1i3.32941 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Qualitative review Peer reviewed
Interventions Loving kindness meditation Compassion meditation
Topics Anxiety Depression Meditation
Citations 24
Key findings Metta meditation appears particularly useful for treating depression and social anxiety by promoting adaptive self-images, social connectedness, and positive emotional experiences.

Abstract

Loving kindness meditation and compassion meditation are traditional Buddhist practices that have recently been introduced and investigated in psychotherapy with promising results. Both meditation practices emphasize metta, a mental state of positive energy and kindness towards oneself and other beings, as opposed to the anger, hostility, or self-loathing that often accompany emotional problems. We conducted a qualitative review of the literature to produce an integrative review. Metta meditation appears to be particularly useful for treating depression and social anxiety, both characterized by low positive affect and negative attitudes and core beliefs about the self. Metta meditation can aid therapy by promoting more adaptive self-images, social connectedness, and emotional experiences. Loving kindness and compassion meditation (metta) have been recently introduced in psychotherapy. Metta addresses shame, anger, and hostility, and promotes an accepting attitude towards oneself. Metta meditation increases positive affect. Metta meditation can be particularly useful in social anxiety and depression. Loving kindness and compassion meditation (metta) have been recently introduced in psychotherapy. Metta addresses shame, anger, and hostility, and promotes an accepting attitude towards oneself. Metta meditation increases positive affect. Metta meditation can be particularly useful in social anxiety and depression.

Comparable studies

Other qualitative studies on anxiety, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
LSD-assisted psychotherapy for anxiety associated with a life-threatening disease: A qualitative study of acute and sustained subjective effects Patients with anxiety associated with life-threatening diseases 2014 Prospective follow-up with qualitative content analysis n = 10
An exploratory mixed methods study of the acceptability and effectiveness of mindfulness -based cognitive therapy for patients with active depression and anxiety in primary care Primary care patients with recurrent depression or recurrent depression and anxiety 2006 Exploratory mixed methods study n = 13
Cancer at the Dinner Table: Experiences of Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy for the Treatment of Cancer-Related Distress Adult participants with clinically elevated anxiety associated with a cancer diagnosis 2017 Qualitative study using interpretative phenomenological analysis n = 13
Extended difficulties following the use of psychedelic drugs: A mixed methods study Participants who reported extended difficulties following psychedelic experiences 2023 Convergent mixed-method study n = 608
Mindfulness and compassion-oriented practices at work reduce distress and enhance self-care of palliative care teams: a mixed-method evaluation of an “on the job“ program Interdisciplinary palliative care team staff 2017 Observational mixed-method pilot evaluation n = 28

Citations in the library

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Anxiety Depression Meditation Buddhism